Having left Wonsan our next stop was Mt Kumgang, three hours drive to the south, and to get there we drove along the (mainly) coastal National Highway 7 (AH6). For much of the way the highway runs in close proximity to the Kumgangsan Chongnyon railway line. Being a bit of a railway buff I enjoyed a bit of train station spotting en route to Mt Kumgang though sadly did not see any trains. In this post I share a few details on the line together with a few pictures of the stations I passed as well as a few other railway related snaps.
Continue reading “The Kumgangsan Chongnyon Railway Line – North Korea”
Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre
Based on a quick look at my main picture above you could be forgiven if you thought this review might be about a sports arena of some sort. What we actually see here is a Railway Roundhouse, in fact the largest one in New South Wales. Continue reading “Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre”
Goulburn Train Station – Building and History
For a number of years before the station was finally opened in 1869, Goulburn had been agitating for a railway link with Sydney. The Sydney Railway Company had been formed in 1849 and the first steam railway in Australia was conceived, designed and built to run between Sydney and Goulburn and so it did, in 1869. Four of the company’s six founding directors were from Goulburn and all had vested interests in getting a train (freight service) to Goulburn up and running. Continue reading “Goulburn Train Station – Building and History”
Pyongyang Railway Museum
Being a fan of all things railway I greatly looked forward to visiting this museum and, being in North Korea, I knew it would have that something extra. It did not disappoint. Continue reading “Pyongyang Railway Museum”
Train Travel in North Korea – Trains for the People
On both of my visits to North Korea (2014 and 2018) trains and the railway system more generally, within the country and beyond, were only mentioned by guides in terms of the Leaders, the very few on which tourists are permitted to travel and the non-existent service to Seoul in South Korea. The overall quality and reliability of the network and, in particular, the domestic service available to locals was not discussed. Continue reading “Train Travel in North Korea – Trains for the People”
Pyongyang Railway Station
Personally, I think Pyongyang’s Railway Station is one of the most beautiful buildings in North Korea but then again I have a thing about railway stations. While many of the high rise buildings built, at the speed of Chollima, in the city in the last five years or so may be as aesthetically pleasing, in their own ways, I wonder about their potential longevity. Continue reading “Pyongyang Railway Station”
The Airport by Train
Notwithstanding my second picture I highly recommend this service if your final destination in Sydney is within walking distance of a train station.
Catching the train is the fastest way to reach Sydney Airport or to get to the city from the airport. Services run directly to/from the city centre to/from stations located inside the Domestic and International terminals. You can probably go cheaper by bus but for the extra dollar or so I prefer the faster train service. Continue reading “The Airport by Train”
Norway In A Nutshell – All Your Tickets Together
Many independent travellers to Norway follow a tried and tested route between Oslo and Bergen (or vice versa) taking in Aurlandsfjord, the UNESCO listed Nærøyfjord and Flåm en route.
This trip involves catching three trains, a boat and a bus together with accommodation, should you wish to spend a night in Flåm en route. Continue reading “Norway In A Nutshell – All Your Tickets Together”
Canberra Railway Museum (Former)
Perhaps the last thing you might expect to find in Canberra is a railway museum and an excellent one at that.
Well, as of mid 2017 you will just have to imagine it as it went into liquidation, closed down and was sold off in pieces. I was devastated. I have retained my review as it was as, firstly, the lead picture is one of my favourites on my blog and secondly to retain it as a historical record in the hope it might interest someone, in addition to me.
Continue reading “Canberra Railway Museum (Former)”
The Night Train to Transylvania
We arrived in Sighisoara at 4 something am on a cold (nay freezing) late autumn day in 2011. The reason for our arrival at this ungodly hour was that we took the night train which connects Budapest with Bucharest – leaving the former at a very civilized 19.10 and arriving into the latter at an equally civilised 11.38 the following morning, dropping people of in Brasov a couple of hours earlier. Continue reading “The Night Train to Transylvania”
The Rambling Wombat 